Founder of Black Entertainment Television became nation's first African-American billionaire in 2001 by selling cable channel to Viacom for $3 billion. Ex-wife, Sheila, took big chunk the following year in divorce. Rebuilding fortune with hotel investments: bought 100 hotels for $1.7 billion from Dean White (see) in August. Also became first person of color to hold a controlling interest in a professional sports team: owns basketball's Charlotte Bobcats. Other investments: recording studios (Three Keys Music), restaurants (Posh).